Microfluidic experiments reveal that surface-attached Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells directly sense differences in chemical concentration across the length of their cell bodies to guide pili-based chemotaxis.

Fc engineering of a capsule-specific antibody identifies Fc variants which augment effector function and promote neutrophil-dependent control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

A metabolomics approach to study microbe–tick interactions reveals that host β-aminoisobutyric acid contributes both to tick fitness and bacterial infection.

On 8–11 April 2024, a Keystone meeting on human immunodeficiency virus and emerging and re-emerging viruses convened in Hannover, Germany, aiming to unite researchers studying viruses of global concern, and gain a deep understanding of unique and shared viral disease mechanisms to facilitate pandemic preparedness.

Endothelin-1 activation after SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to vascular permeability, chondrocyte senescence, osteoclast activation and cyst formation in affected joints of hamsters, which can be alleviated using macitentan. Joint injury was also seen in two patients after COVID-19 infection.

Primary colonization by microbial communities dominated by Bifidobacteria contribute to stable gut microbiota assembly and long-term pathogen resistance in neonates.

‘Candidatus Endonucleobacter’ is a pathogen of deep-sea mussels that can successfully reproduce in the nuclei of its host by expressing inhibitors of apoptosis, likely acquired through horizontal gene transfer.

The leaf microbiome compositions of 267 Arabidopsis thaliana populations across Europe reveal associations with climate and plant genetics.

Mycobacterial phthiocerol dimycocerosate (PDIM) inhibits LC3-associated phagocytosis and counters autophagy-dependent restriction of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in non-alveolar macrophages.

Transcriptome mining, phylogenetic analysis, bioimaging and serology experiments reveal a widespread diverse virome present in ~70% of parasitic nematodes, such as Brugia malayi and Onchocerca volvulus, where some viruses are abundant in the reproductive tract and are associated with seropositivity in vertebrate hosts.

To successfully tackle the current mpox public-health emergency, we must learn from past outbreaks to focus research questions and take collaborative action.

Moving from academia to government was challenging, but learning to translate evidence-based results into policy decisions that impact society is hugely rewarding, writes Robin May.

This month’s issue of Nature Microbiology has a focus on microbial ecology, showcasing how these dynamics might be harnessed to better understand and safeguard life on Earth.

The tree of life is a galvanizing image, anchoring biological diversity within a common framework. From a new view in 2016, the tree has continued to grow, and with it, our understanding of life on earth.

Madeleine van Oppen describes her research on the family Symbiodiniaceae, the microalgae that could be instrumental in safeguarding coral reefs against the effects of climate change.